Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept

Based on a single vehicle architecture, the intelligent, modular concept allows three models with different drive, all of which are able to meet customer requirements in terms of sustainable mobility:
* the BlueZero E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 kilometres using electric drive alone
* the BlueZero F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of well over 400 kilometres using electric drive
* the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and additional internal combustion engine as power generator (range extender).

The BlueZero principle: flexible design, compact exterior, generously sized interior
All three BlueZero variants share the same key technical components, while the design and vehicle dimensions are identical. Measuring just 4.22 metres in length, the BlueZero models combine compact exterior dimensions with a generously proportioned and variable interior and luggage compartment. Five fully-fledged seats, a payload of around 450 kilograms and a luggage compartment capacity of over 500 litres make for outstanding everyday practicality.

Compared to electric cars based on conventional vehicle platforms and originally only designed for use in combination with internal combustion engines, Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept offers the following conclusive advantages:
* Interior space is retained in full. As the energy accumulators/generators are integrated into the spacious sandwich floor, no compromises are necessary when it comes to passenger space, luggage capacity or variability.
* The powertrain technology built into the sandwich floor ensures a low centre of gravity and, consequently, extremely reliable and agile handling.
* Crash safety is of the extremely high standard associated with Mercedes thanks to the sandwich concept and the housing of major powertrain components between the axles.
The BlueZero models are very different to conventionally constructed electric cars, which have the heavy and voluminous storage battery housed in the boot or in the rear-seat area.

Modular design ensures flexibility and efficiency
The modified sandwich-floor platform provides the perfect basis for a wide model range with electric drive systems.
All three BlueZero models feature front-wheel drive, which is typical for this class of car. The Mercedes engineers have put together a modular system comprising several flexibly combinable drive components.
These state-of-the-art liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with a storage capacity of up to 35 kWh and the compact electric motor with a maximum output of 100 kW (continuous output 70 kW), which develops a peak torque of 320 Nm.

The electric drive systems with a range of 100, 200 and well over 400 kilometres
With a charging capacity of 15 kW, the powerful lithium-ion batteries in the BlueZero E-CELL and the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS can store enough energy for a range of 50 kilometres within 30 minutes. In terms of purely electrical drive, one or two hours of charging time is needed for a range of 100 and 200 kilometres respectively. The charging times are doubled if the charging capacity is 7 kW, as would be the case in a normal household. Both of these BlueZero vehicles incorporate an electronic control unit that supports intelligent charging stations and billing systems.
At the rear, the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS has the same 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the smart fortwo as an additional range extender. The compact three-cylinder powerplant has an output of 50 kW at a constant 3500 rpm. If required, it can recharge the 17.5-kWh lithium-ion battery by means of a similarly rated alternator. A range of up to 600 kilometres is possible on a single tank. The purely electrical, locally emission-free range is up to 100 kilometres. The BlueZero F-CELL with fuel-cell drive achieves a range of well over 400 kilometres with zero emissions (as per NEDC).

The BlueZero design: elegant and functional
Leading-edge technology is uniformly and attractively packaged in all three BlueZero variants. The unique and distinctive Mercedes design idiom displayed by the body highlights the progressive nature of Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept straight away.
The powerfully elegant front end is dominated by the radiator grille with its centrally located star.
The excellent aerodynamics of the BlueZero are partly due to the closed front apron, whose design means that cooling air intakes are not required. The 20-inch wheels have also been aerodynamically optimised, while low-friction tyres reduce rolling resistance.
The striking character lines along the flanks lend the BlueZero an extremely dynamic side line and accentuate its bionic structure inspired by nature. This characteristic feature of the Mercedes-Benz bionic car was adapted and modified for the BlueZero models. These elements lend the body its dramatic power.

New-quality light production
The compact rear end of the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept is characterised by tail lights in the shape of a curved "L". In addition, the Mercedes designers have achieved a new-quality light production: transparent lenses produce a red light curtain which tapers smoothly towards the sides, creating a lightly diffused effect. This effect is repeated, albeit in white this time, by the front headlamps. The front lights feature new lens technology and a plexiglass edge to produce "C" shaped daytime driving lights with the help of state-of-the-art LED technology.

The intelligent technology made visible
Translucent surfaces make the normally concealed technology visible. The light-grey tailgate is made completely from lightweight but highly robust Lexan that allows a view of the aluminium structure that makes up the rigidifying frame.

The Mercedes-Benz designers have emphasised this aspiration by introducing paint finishes in three new ALU-BEAM colours. Each of the three variants makes its individual mark: the BlueZero E-CELL is painted in a fresh ALU-BEAM Yellow, while the BlueZero F-CELL has ALU-BEAM Green paintwork. Confidence-oozing ALU-BEAM Orange was chosen for the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS.

Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class V12 S Biturbo

The Brabus G V12 S Biturbo - the world's most powerful off-roader - is built by hand based on the latest Mercedes G-Class. The exclusive five-door is powered by a Brabus SV12 S displacement engine. Like all special models of Brabus - recognized by the German Vehicle Registration Agency as a vehicle manufacturer - the Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class V12 S Biturbo comes with a comprehensive luxury package. The ultra-powerful 4x4 starts at 379,000 Euros.

The Brabus SV12 S engine is based on the V12 Biturbo engine from the latest Mercedes S 600. Before being implanted in the engine bay of the G-Class, displacement of the three-valve engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cubic inches) using a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinders and larger bore. In addition, the cylinder heads are re-machined and fitted with special camshafts.

The engine peripherals were upgraded with larger turbochargers, an optimized intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts. The exahust was custom-developed for the G-Class and features dual chrome-plated tailpipes that exit in front of the rear wheels on the left and right side. New precision mapping for the engine electronics coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components. The results are an exemplary smooth-running engine and maximum power yield while meeting the strict limits set by the EURO IV emission norm.

In the G-Class the Brabus S V12 S displacement engine produces 700 hp (690 bhp) / 515 kW at 5,100 rpm. The turbocharged twelve-cylinder engine delivers its peak torque of 1,320 Nm (973 lb-ft) at 2,100 rpm. In the car, the peak torque is electronically limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

The Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class V12 S Biturbo offers acceleration performance almost unimaginable for a true off-roader: Combined with a special five-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive the exclusive SUV catapults itself from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 240 km/h (150 mph). Without the self-imposed limit the high-tech G-Class model could reach 260 km/h (163 mph).

This superior performance necessitates the use of custom-tailored Brabus Monoblock wheels. Below the subtle fender flares is room for Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters between 20 and 22 inches, mounted with high-performance tires from Pirelli or YOKOHAMA. The forged Brabus Monoblock VI 10.5Jx21 light-alloys are shod with size 295/40 R 21 tires front and back. Brabus offers a wide selection of ten-inch wide wheels in the five different Monoblock VI, E, G, Q and S designs with a diameter of 22 inches.

The body of the Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class V12 S Biturbo is distinguished by sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement components. The Brabus front apron with its LED daytime running lights below the main headlights lends the 4x4 an even more striking face. The rear is customized with the Brabus rear bumper.

The Brabus designers have developed special caps for the standard running boards of the Mercedes G-Class. They add some visual pizzazz to the G-Class and for added practicality feature integrated LED lights activated by the key fob or by opening a door. They illuminate the running boards in the dark.

The custom interior of the Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class V12 S Biturbo is highly exclusive as well: It includes an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, a speedometer with 280-km/h scale (175 mph), stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logo and a handcrafted Brabus fully leather interior made from especially soft and breathable Brabus Mastik leather.

Mercedes-Benz Blue Zero

Mercedes-Benz Blue Zero

Mercedes-Benz is showing the way ahead in environmentally responsible electromobility by presenting its near-series Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Based on a single vehicle architecture, this intelligent, modular concept allows three models with different drive configurations, all of which are able to meet customer requirements in terms of sustainable mobility: * the BlueZero E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 kilometres using electric drive alone * the BlueZero F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of well over 400 kilometres using electric drive * the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and additional internal combustion engine as power generator (range extender). This version has an overall range of up to 600 kilometres and can cover a distance of up to 100 kilometres using electric drive alone.
The three Mercedes-Benz BlueZero variants are based on the unique sandwich-floor architecture which Mercedes-Benz introduced some ten years ago, initially for the A-Class and then for the B-Class, one of the aims being to integrate alternative drive systems. Advantages of the modified construction include the positive effect of the major drive components on the centre of gravity, their space-saving design and the fact that they are extremely well protected within the vehicle underbody. The five-seater Mercedes-Benz BlueZero concept cars also set standards in terms of lightweight design, interior layout and body form.
The BlueZero principle: flexible design, compact exterior, generously sized interiorAll three BlueZero variants share the same key technical components, while the design and vehicle dimensions are identical. Measuring just 4.22 metres in length, the BlueZero models combine compact exterior dimensions with a generously proportioned and variable interior and luggage compartment. Five fully-fledged seats, a payload of around 450 kilograms and a luggage compartment capacity of over 500 litres make for outstanding everyday practicality. Thanks to their sandwich construction with a raised sitting position, the cars also offer an exceptionally high level of crash safety for the passengers and the technology, not to mention excellent all-round visibility.
Compared to electric cars based on conventional vehicle platforms and originally only designed for use in combination with internal combustion engines, Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept offers the following conclusive advantages: * Interior space is retained in full. As the energy accumulators/generators are integrated into the spacious sandwich floor, no compromises are necessary when it comes to passenger space, luggage capacity or variability. * The powertrain technology built into the sandwich floor ensures a low centre of gravity and, consequently, extremely reliable and agile handling. * Crash safety is of the extremely high standard associated with Mercedes thanks to the sandwich concept and the housing of major powertrain components between the axles. As a result, the BlueZero models are very different to conventionally constructed electric cars, which have the heavy and voluminous storage battery housed in the boot or in the rear-seat area, for example.
Modular design ensures flexibility and efficiencyThe modified sandwich-floor platform provides the perfect basis for a wide model range with electric drive systems. We are also developing a new, additional platform for future compact models with power units based on optimised internal combustion engines. The intelligent networking of both architectures enables us to develop our product portfolio extremely flexibly and efficiently. From 2009, we will be producing the first Mercedes fuel-cell cars on a small scale. Small-scale production of Mercedes-Benz cars with battery-electric drive alone will then commence in 2010. This means we are extremely well equipped for the future."
All three BlueZero models feature front-wheel drive, which is typical for this class of car. The Mercedes engineers have put together a modular system comprising several flexibly combinable drive components. These include state-of-the-art liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with a storage capacity of up to 35 kWh and the compact electric motor with a maximum output of 100 kW (continuous output 70 kW), which develops a peak torque of 320 Nm. All three variants accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 11 seconds. Their top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h in the interests of optimal range and energy efficiency.
Electric drive systems with a range of 100, 200 and well over 400 kilometres
With a charging capacity of 15 kW, the powerful lithium-ion batteries in the BlueZero E-CELL and the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS can store enough energy for a range of 50 kilometres within 30 minutes. In terms of purely electrical drive, one or two hours of charging time is needed for a range of 100 and 200 kilometres respectively. The charging times are doubled if the charging capacity is 7 kW, as would be the case in a normal household. Both of these BlueZero vehicles incorporate an electronic control unit that supports intelligent charging stations and billing systems.
At the rear, the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS has the same 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the smart fortwo as an additional range extender. This compact three-cylinder powerplant has an output of 50 kW at a constant 3500 rpm. If required, it can recharge the 17.5-kWh lithium-ion battery by means of a similarly rated alternator. A range of up to 600 kilometres is possible on a single tank. The purely electrical, locally emission-free range is up to 100 kilometres. The BlueZero F-CELL with fuel-cell drive achieves a range of well over 400 kilometres with zero emissions (as per NEDC).

BlueZero design: both elegant and functional
Leading-edge technology is uniformly and attractively packaged in all three BlueZero variants. The unique and distinctive Mercedes design idiom displayed by the body highlights the progressive nature of Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept straight away.
The powerfully elegant front end is dominated by the radiator grille with its centrally located star. The excellent aerodynamics of the BlueZero are partly due to the closed front apron, whose design means that cooling air intakes are not required. The 20-inch wheels have also been aerodynamically optimised, while low-friction tyres reduce rolling resistance.
The striking character lines along the flanks lend the BlueZero an extremely dynamic side line and accentuate its bionic structure inspired by nature. This characteristic feature of the Mercedes-Benz bionic car was adapted and modified for the BlueZero models. These elements lend the body its dramatic power.

New-quality light production
The compact rear end of the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept is characterised by tail lights in the shape of a curved "L". In addition, the Mercedes designers have achieved a new-quality light production: transparent lenses produce a red light curtain which tapers smoothly towards the sides, creating a lightly diffused effect. This effect is repeated, albeit in white this time, by the front headlamps. What's more, the front lights feature new lens technology and a plexiglass edge to produce "C" shaped daytime driving lights with the help of state-of-the-art LED technology.
Intelligent technology made visible
Translucent surfaces make the normally concealed technology visible. The light-grey tailgate is made completely from lightweight but highly robust Lexan that allows a view of the aluminium structure that makes up the rigidifying frame, for example. At the same time this transparent tailgate provides a view of the vehicle interior, making the advantages of the sandwich-floor platform obvious at a glance: for maximum customer benefit, the luggage compartment and passenger area remain fully usable, since there are no technical components that need to be accommodated here.
"It was very important for us to ensure that the guiding Mercedes-Benz principle of 'Fascination and Responsibility' was clearly reflected in the design of the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept", says Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener. "This is yet another clear statement that environmental awareness and driving pleasure will continue to go together in our vehicles in the future. We want people to realise at first sight that the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept is definitively not a lesser option."
The Mercedes-Benz designers have emphasised this aspiration by introducing paint finishes in three new ALU-BEAM colours. Each of the three variants makes its individual mark: the BlueZero E-CELL is painted in a fresh ALU-BEAM Yellow, while the BlueZero F-CELL has ALU-BEAM Green paintwork. Confidence-oozing ALU-BEAM Orange was chosen for the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS. Concept